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Roll Call Tribute

Donald "Don" Ellis '54 June 13, 2018 9:27 AM updated: June 13, 2018 9:29 AM

Published in (San Antonio) Express-News on June 17, 2018

Donald E. Ellis(1932 - 2018)
April 23, 1932 - June 10, 2018
Col. Donald E. Ellis (Ret) joined his Lord, peacefully, on June 10, 2018. Don would remind us that we did not lose him; heaven gained an Aggie. He would want us to laugh; share funny stories; and create new, happy memories.
Born in Dequincy, LA on April 23, 1932, Don Ellis was an athlete his entire life. He received 16 Varsity Letters in high school and was inducted into the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame in 2010. He played varsity football and baseball for Texas A&M. Don was the star quarterback. In 1952, he was a member of Collier's "Unsung Squad" and in 1953, was selected as the MVP and twice selected as "Back of the Week" in the SWC. He was inducted into the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 2001 and served as President of the 12th Man Foundation.

Col. Ellis was a highly decorated Air Force officer serving from 1955 to 1982. Tours included Air Training Command, Alaska Air Command, the Air Force Academy, and 604th Special Operations Squadron. He was the offensive coach for the Air Force Academy Falcons for 6 years. A Vietnam veteran, touring in 1968 -1969 with over 333 combat missions in the A-37. Commanded the 560th Flying Training Squadron in which he had the honor of requalifying over 150 active duty military pilots who were POWs in Vietnam. He retired as Vice Wing Commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing.

Decorations include the Legion of Merit with two OLCs, Distinguished Flying Cross with two OLCs, Air Medal with 16 OLCs, Meritorious Service Medal with OLC, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 OLCs, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with device, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 4 devices. He accumulated over 5,000 flying hours.

Don's proudest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Reni Ellis; children Susan Ellis and husband Bob Liesman, Richard Ellis and wife Lisa, David Ellis and wife Kate, and daughter-in-law Juliet Ellis; grandchildren Chris Ellis, John Ellis, Jennifer Pressley and husband Josh, Erika Liesman, Roy Alexander Liesman; great grandchildren Luke Pressley, Emma Pressley and Charlotte Samedi; and sister Betty Breaux. He joins his son Donald (Dee) Ellis, Jr., brother Maj. Gen. Billy Ellis and mother Lillian Perkins in heaven.


Don was the most interesting man in the world; no comparison. We remember his infectious laugh, the war hero and warrior, the teller of corny jokes, the incomparable athlete, the delight of children; the consummate leader. Our friend, brother, uncle, great grandfather, grandfather, father and husband - we love you and miss you. In your honor, we smile and laugh, raise a glass and celebrate you.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on June 23, 2018 at The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road, San Antonio, TX 78258. Ph (210) 402-3672.


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